Comprehensive performance of polycarbonate films doped with Tb(III) and Eu(III) complexes

In order to expand the application of biobased polycarbonate in optical components, a series of isosorbide polycarbonate (PICC)/rare earth ion complex fluorescent composites were prepared by using PICC as a macromolecular ligand and Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺ as rare earth luminescence centers. The coordination system between rare earth ions and PICC was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, DSC and TGA. On adjusting the ratio of Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺, a PICC/rare earth ion composite with adjustable fluorescence color was obtained. Also, the thermal, mechanical and optical properties of a series of PICC/rare earth ion fluorescent films with different ratios were tested. A transparent fluorescent composite material with excellent mechanical properties and tunable fluorescent colors has been prepared. © 2024 Society of Industrial Chemistry.